Jubilant Airdrieonians supporters have been celebrating the revival of the club’s name.

And Monday proved to be very special indeed for fan Graeme Fettes – with the name-change news an extra present for his 40th birthday.

The father-of-two from Carnbroe said: “I have been a fan for 26 years and they’ve always been Airdrie to me.”

A group of Diamonds supporters arrived at New Broomfield stadium wearing shirts and waving scarves and flags after it was confirmed that Airdrie United had been given permission to revive the ‘Onians title and badge.

The club was placed into liquidation in May 2002 but fans had never given up hope of reclaiming an important piece of the town’s football history.

Now Airdrieonians are back on the Scottish Football map with the name to appear on the fixture list to be published later this month.

For Graeme, it was the perfect day.

He said: “This is an excellent, unexpected birthday present.

“My best Airdrieonians memory came in 1992 when we beat Hearts in the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup as it guaranteed us a place in Europe.

“And my biggest regret was not going to Prague. I was a student at Glasgow University at the time and couldn’t afford it. I wish I’d asked my parents for a loan of some money!”

Graeme, who came along to the stadium with son Euan, 6, added: “This news has created a bit of a buzz. The United bit never really felt right.”

Pal Scott McCloy, joined by sons Keir, 8, and Harris, 7, learned to love the ‘Onians after being taken to games by his late grandfather, Robert Stirling.

“He would take me to the old Broomfield when I was a young laddie,” Scott said. “His name is up in the Wall of Fame.”

Cairnhill’s Jim Nimmo has supported Airdrie for 52 years. He’s glad future generations will be following the ‘Onians.

“They have always been Airdrieonians to me,” he said. “The United should never have been there in the first place.

“To get the ‘Onians name back is fantastic. Now I hope those that said they wouldn’t come back because of the name, return.”

Jeff White was taken by his late dad James to his first ‘Onians game at the age of four. He witnessed a 2-1 defeat to Berwick Rangers in the old Second Division.

When news broke of the name revival, he told everyone in Lochalsh Place – the Petersburn street where he lives.

“I was chapping on doors and telling folk we have our identity back,” he said. “We are a club again.”

Jeff and his father visited New Broomfield on the evening of May 1, 2002, following the original club’s demise. James passed away a few years later.

“I’m sure he is upstairs listening and is delighted,” added Jeff.

Ronnie Trotter is a Diamonds fan of 65 years standing and been head of security at the stadium for more than two decades.

He said: “It’s fantastic to get the name back. The town has a bit of its history back.”

Blackridge’s Clark Steele has followed Airdrie since 1957 and is a member of the club’s supporters’ trust committee.

“It’s a great day for the fans,” he said, proudly wearing an old ‘Onians shirt and holding one of the Advertiser’s special ‘The Onians Are Back’ news bills.

“I’ve so many memories and seen so many great players. We had John Martin. One of the best signings we ever made was Walter Kidd. Sandy Clark was Mr Airdrie.”

Petersburn’s Raymond Walker says the return of the ‘Onians name means so much.

“I was delighted to hear the news,” he said. “I never liked Airdrie United. It was never the same for me and the spark just wasn’t there.

“But I’m looking forward to next season now. When we were Airdrieonians, there was a bond between the players and the fans. I hope we can get that back.”

David Keyes, 22, of Clarkston much preferred the ‘Onians name – and remembers vivdly the day the club went bust.

“I have always wanted the name to come back,” he said. “I’m a lot happier now.

“I think more fans will come along.”

For Willie Marshall, the supporters’ trust chair, the name change for the club is likely to mean a name change for the trust.

“I think we would want to do that,” he said. “The news of the name coming back was a great way to start Monday!

“This probably means nothing to anybody that doesn’t support a football club.

“Had Rangers to be known as Govan Rangers last summer, they wouldn’t have liked it. Well, that’s what happened to us all those years ago.”